The past few weeks have seen rising reports of insecurity in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State. While it is understandable that there is general insecurity across Nigeria, the incessant mayhem in Ibadan calls for urgent attention.
In many cases, residents have accused Mukaila Lamidi, the chairman of the Park Management System (PMS) of allegedly playing a major part in the crisis rocking Ibadan, particularly on Iwo Road. To some persons, the recent activities are likened to a return of terror in the city.
Mr Lamidi popularly called ‘Auxiliary’ was appointed the chairman of park managers on February 18, 2020. Governor Seyi Makinde appointed him after announcing a ban on the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state.
While Mr Makinde told the public that Park Management System (PMS) is not like the conventional motor parks association, recent happenings shows that Makinde has not been lucky with his appointment. For eight years, before the emergence of Mr Makinde, Ibadan enjoyed peace because late former governor Isiaka Ajimobi proscribed NURTW.
Sources in Oyo told POLITICS NIGERIA that the state is fast becoming tense with the recent mayhem happening in Ibadan and residents are scared of re-experiencing all that transpired in the city between 2003 and 2011. During this period insecurity and social vices were the order of the day.
This newspaper recalled that Auxiliary’s leader, late Lateef Salako Eleweomo was powerful in Oyo to the point that he once sat on the speaker’s chair in the hallowed chamber of the Oyo State House of Assembly to impeach former governor, Rashidi Ladoja.
Beyond the crisis among the NURTW members, no one dared pass through Iwo Road, Ojoo and Olomi area where Oyo NURTW used to be headquartered.
In August 2011, over 10 people, including the President of the Nigerian Medical Students, were killed, after two factions of the union shed blood over leadership tussles, wielding dangerous weapons freely. Before security operatives could take charge and restore normalcy, many shops had been looted and burnt. Cars that were not burnt were seriously damaged. This was what led to the journey of Mr Lamidi (Auxiliary) to prison.
Alas! Makinde upon emergence asked Auxiliary to come and lead the motor park. Years after peace, Ibadan is fast returning to violence headquarters and weapons are back. The fact is that we have moved from peace to violence. Findings by this newspaper have shown that leaders of these parks milk motorists dry with the funds being illegally obtained for some executive members, especially the chairmen for daily upkeep, while there is also a fixed amount which is taken to the state headquarters, depending on the financial strength of the branches and units.
As the 2023 election draws closer, the Auxiliary is getting more emboldened. When he passes through the road that divides Ibadan into two halves — Iwo road-Gate-Oje-Oja’ba-Molete-Challenge-New Garage road, residents tremble and often pray not be unfortunate to be on the road when his convoy is passing. Auxiliary is rumoured to be next after Makinde as followers call him ‘deputy governor’.
